I strongly believe in Divine Guidance and I know it can come as a song on the radio, a conversation with a stranger, an article I have read, voices in my dreams or inspired ideas. Simply a message. But what is not so simple is knowing if it is truly a message from the Divine.

Over the years, I have awareness in seeing it as a natural part of my daily life ... I recognize, trust and act on this guidance. Yet my ego does like to mess me up time to time and settle me in a place of confusion.

Thankfully there is a great deal of resources around me as well as online. Doreen Virtue, Ph.D speaks clearly in her book called Divine Guidance about this very thing. Distinguishing true guidance from false guidance and how to more fully open up your channels to receive Divine messages.

She talks about the difference between true higher guidance and false lower/ego guidance. Here are a few to consider:

True Guidance is supportive and motivational

False Guidance is fearful and inspires doubt

True Guidance is consistent

False Guidance switches impulsively

True Guidance refers to your life purpose or mission

False Guidance refers to competition with others

True Guidance wants joy in the present

False Guidance wants to delay happiness for the future

True Guidance is strong and powerful

False Guidance is insidious and sneaky

True Guidance is familiar

False Guidance is out-of-sync with your lifestyle

True Guidance speaks in second person

False Guidance uses the word “I” constantly

True Guidance empowers you

False Guidance weakens you

True Guidance comes suddenly and completely in response to prayer/meditation

Ultimately knowing that Divine Guidance is available to us at all times is comforting ... these messages are always loving, uplifting and peaceful. Our willingness to receive and be open to hearing in a way that we can understand is the key.

I have been told to have the intention to receive guidance that is for my highest and greatest good and trusting that the answers will come. And of course be grateful for the Divine assistance. Regardless, you have to just believe intuitively what is right for you ...